Your salad days resurrected on CD and vinyl!! Yes, folks, it is safe to
drain the pool and tune up that dusty deck in yer closet because we are
re-issuing (actually issuing in some cases as most of this hasn't been
really available before) some obscure yet essential skate punk records this
summer. Cool stuff from the early 80's. This is not the Sum 182 Warped Tour brand of skate punk. It's the *real* deal from when skaters weren't sponsored and skate parks were mere castles in the sky.

Sorry kiddo, duct tape and grip tape not included...

FREE BEER :
FREE BEER included teenage skateboarder/musician brothers Tony (Guitar) and Tommy (Bass) Guerrero (who has new stuff out on Mo' Wax) who were just a part of the short list of founding fathers of the budding musical and cultural movement known as Skate-Rock, pioneered by youth driven by their passion for skating and music that captured the thrill of the sport because "Nothing else mattered."

LOS OLVIDADOS :
Seminal skaterock band from San Jose, CA (1980-1983) heavily influenced by the
first wave of punk rock (Stooges, NY Dolls, Dead Boys, Radio Birdman, Saints,
etc.,) LOS OLVIDADOS were the Northern California equivalent of T.S.O.L., Agent
Orange, the Adolescents, and others from Orange County. Although featured on the
MRR comp Not So Quiet On The Western Front and the early Thrasher magazine
Skaterock Comps (#1 & #2), the band self-destructed before a full-length album
would see the light of day--that is, until we included it in our Skate-Rock
Re-issue Series.

DRUNK INJUNS :
From out of the annals of punk history come DRUNK INJUNS, the heavyweights of skate punk bands. As mysterious as the Residents, this offering of DRUNK INJUNS' early recordings circa 1983-84, packs a powerful 1-2 punch with searing guitars, a heavy driving back-beat, and mature, introspective messages delivered in a unique vocal style. Imagine bands like the Dead Boys, Joy Division, the Ramones, Sleepers, Hank Williams, Negative Trend, Rik L Rik, and the Doors rolled up into one with a vicious twist.

I've been hearing with growing disbelief, from the grapevine, tales of
the banning of the award winning reporter/producer, Noelle Hanrahan,
from KPFA-FM.

I can't, for the life of me, understand the logic of removing a
journalist who is so able, so talented, so aggressive in pursuit of her
craft, from the public airwaves. How can such a decision serve the best
interest of the listening public, who turn to KPFA and her Pacifica
affiliates for an antidote to the deadly corporate drone that passes for
news these days?

She has been a courageous and principled lifeline, not just for myself,
but for a number of folks who are locked down in U.S. gulags. While I
have some appreciation of the tensions inherent in the
management-employee relationship, I believe the bottom line (i.e., the
listening, supporting public) should decide the question.
I think it's clear that Noelle's work is a definite plus, that rebounds
to the benefit of KPFA and the listeners.

May I suggest that you look at this as an opportunity (rather than a
management problem) to rebut the presumption that this is a retaliatory
BAN in response to gender harassment claims that have recently been
filed?

KPFA has justly been seen as a bright light in the night sky of radio
broadcasting, and Noelle Hanrahan's passion, expertise and sheer guts
have unquestionably added to that luster.

I ask that you restore her to her slot on-drive time Flashpoints, and
let someone who clearly loves her work -- do what she does best -- work.

By so doing we all are winners; the listeners, staff, management, the
broader movement -- all of us.

P.S. if bennett tells you there were "other problems" ask him what
specifically. Write it down. Then remind him that there were "No
disciplinary actions against Noelle prior to his Banning of her". Ask
why she is banned.

Jad Fair is a living legend. He is the star of Half Japanese, an extremely
prolific solo artist, and collaborator extraordinaire. He has released close to
50 albums (under various monikers). He started Half Japanese in 1975 (a track
from HJ appeared on the notorious AT compilation "Let Them Eat Jellybeans" in the
early 80's) and has kept it active to the present with a revolving line-up. Jad's
music has been described as quirky, punk, childlike, beautiful, poppy, folksy,
noisy, avant garde, you name it. Lyrically Jad tends to sing about : candy, love
and monsters. There was even a documentary released about Half Japanese in the
early 90's entitled "The Band That Would Be King".

He is a name to be reckoned with and has influenced countless indie rock and punk
bands for decades. Hence he is deserving of his own month at Alternative Tentacles.

Aside from his music, you may well recognize his artwork. He even has art shows
in galleries across the globe.

To celebrate JAD FAIR month, we are making his new album with TEENAGE FANCLUB
"Words Of Wisdom & Hope" available to our mailorder fans a week earlier than when
you can buy it on other websites or in stores!

Hats off to you, sir, for a job well done! The Soviets tried for ten years to do what it took you only two months to accomplish in Afghanistan. How did you do that? It's funny how a couple months ago there were all these Taliban, and now -- there aren't any! You must be some kind of super magician -- almost as good at disappearing acts as ol' Osama (or, as they say on the Fox Nuisance Channel, "Usama" -- I like their spelling better, like "We put the 'USA' in USAma!"). He did exist, didn't he? I would hate to have gotten myself all worked up over the wrong evildoer! I loved that last tape of his, the home video of his sleepover with that sheik. What a party animal, that guy!

And how 'bout that Northern Alliance! Thanks to them, my weekly supply of heroin will finally be reinstated. Whoo-hoo -- and just in time for New Year's Rockin' Eve! Those Taliban simply did NOT have the best delivery system for the stuff, kinda like why you never see Beaman's gum anymore -- poor distribution and shelf placement. According to the New York Times, the Northern Alliance has put all the poppy farmers back to work, and they are promising a "bumper crop" by spring.

But Mr. Bush, I am most impressed with how you have used those who died on September 11th to justify your lining the pockets of your rich friends and campaign contributors. Your "Economic Stimulus Bill" -- pure genius! You actually got the House of Representatives to pass a bill eliminating the law that said corporations have to pay at least a token minimum tax every year.

See, most people forget that back in your daddy's day (when he was VP) thousands of companies were able to lawyer their way out of paying any taxes at all! Then a law was passed to stop that. Now you got the House to agree to give all these corporations back ALL the minimum taxes they have paid since 1986!! That's $140 billion of givebacks ($1.4 billion to IBM, a billion to Ford, $800 million to GM, etc.). And you got this passed, all under the guise of "September 11th!" How do you get away with this without the American public whoopin' your behind? Man, you are THE MAN!

Hey, and tell your top sheriff, Big John Ashcroft, that his refusal to let the FBI look at the files of gun background checks that the Justice Department keeps -- to see if any of the terrorists or suspected terrorists have purchased weapons in the past two years -- took some balls! Even though checking those files might turn up information that could protect us in possible future attacks, Ashcroft was more concerned with not upsetting the NRA than in helping his own FBI catch the bad guys. Now that's what I call getting your priorities straight. Big John may have lost his Senate seat last year to a dead guy, but he sure as heck ain't gonna lose me as a huge admirer!

Well, I better go before someone from the Office of Homeland Security mistakes me for someone who needs to be "interviewed!" Rest assured I'm doing my part for the country by shopping my sorry ass off in this week before Christmas. Buy! Buy! Buy! Tora! Tora! Tora! Bora! Whoo-hoo, Prince O' Peace!! Fight Team Fight! Go get 'em, George, Jr. -- we're counting on you to kill all evildoers!

Yours, Michael Moore
Third in Line to the King of Afghanistan
mmflint@aol.com
www.michaelmoore.com
P.S. You'll beat that Enron rap, just like you beat your other raps! Chin up! Who needs "energy traders" anyway? I never saw that job on the list from my high school counselor!!

12/18/01: MUMIA ABU-JAMAL's DEATH SENTENCE OVERTURNED!

PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) -

A federal judge Tuesday overturned
the death sentence of former journalist and Black Panther Mumia
Abu-Jamal, and ordered a new sentencing hearing for the
convicted cop-killer.

U.S. District Judge William Yohn let stand Abu-Jamal's
conviction for the Dec. 9, 1981, murder of Philadelphia police
officer Daniel Faulkner, however, denying the death row
inmate's request for a new trial. But Yohn gave the state 180
days to conduct a fresh sentencing hearing, citing errors in
the original penalty phase of his murder trial.

Abu-Jamal is a cause celebre among death penalty opponents
around the world, including Hollywood celebrities and European
public figures, many of whom regard him as a political
prisoner.

Philadelphia prosecutors say Abu-Jamal murdered Faulkner
during a shootout more than 20 years ago, after the police
officer pulled over his brother for driving the wrong way down
a one-way street. Abu-Jamal, who was wounded in the chest,
contends he was shot while running away.

With dogged backing from a network of supporters, Abu-Jamal
has repeatedly maintained his innocence in Faulkner's death and
launched numerous legal appeals to stall his execution.

Here comes "LAPD Patrol Officer West," a tiny, sinewy action figure doll dressed just like a Los Angeles police officer right down to his tiny die-cast metal gun, handcuffs, pepper spray and black boots -- all for $39.95 and available in time for Christmas.

The Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL), a union representing about 9,000 Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers, has begun selling the dolls, dressed in authentic LAPD uniforms, via the department's Web site (www.lapd.com) in order to raise the profile of law enforcement officers in the community, a spokesman said.

"These action figures are not only great gifts for law enforcement officers and children, but they are also a great way to show pride in the law enforcement heroes that are protecting our nation right now," said LAPPL President Mitzi Grasso.

"The extensive planning and design that went into these figures to make sure that they are realistic representations of police officers makes them quality gifts," Grasso added.

Standing one-foot (.34 meters) tall, the dolls are the first in a series of "LAPD Elite Force Action Figures" that will come complete with 1/6-scale weapons and accessories. Also in time for the 2001 holiday season, the LAPPL has introduced a female companion for West, "Patrol Officer Sommers."

New officer dolls will follow each quarter, the union said in a statement, including officers assigned to K9 dog units, SWAT teams, narcotics, air support, horse-mounted patrol, bicycle detail, riot control and motorcycle patrol.

The dolls follow a massive recruiting campaign launched last summer by the scandal-plagued force, involving radio spots, print ads, theater and bus shelter promos and 50 billboards. The campaign aims at attracting more recruits by spotlighting the good, caring actions of the department's officers.

Recruitment and retention of qualified personnel has been a major problem for the department since the city's Rampart station corruption scandal broke in September 1999. In that scandal, an officer who was accused of stealing cocaine from an evidence locker began detailing pervasive corruption at the Rampart station.

More than 100 criminal convictions have been recorded in the scandal, which is expected to cost the city hundreds of millions of dollars in legal and settlement costs.

The LAPD currently has fewer than the 9,000 officers required to patrol the nation's second-largest city, and about 800 below its level of two years ago.

Recent figures show that the department needs to recruit between 16,000 and 27,000 applicants just to hire the 1,000 extra officers it needs to meet city standards because applicants face an extensive screening process.

12/07/01: A.T. MAILORDER ACCEPTS PayPal

Many of you have contacted us encouraging us to accept PayPal on our website.
Well, now we have enabled that.

Just add to the shopping cart whatever you want, and when it comes time for Check
Out, select PayPal and it takes you over to the PayPal website where you can
easily and quickly complete the transaction. Remember, it costs you nothing when
you pay via PayPal (we pay the transaction cost).

This was lifted from the American Firearms website (http://www.amfire.com) :

Accokeek, MD (October 9, 2001) - Beretta U.S.A. is proud to introduce the limited edition 92F, 9 mm United We Stand Pistol, which features a laser etched gold American Flag and the words "United We Stand" on the slide. Production will be limited to 2001 units. In addition, each United We Stand Pistol will be laser etched with "1 of 2001" on the slide.

Beretta U.S.A. General Manager Steve Parsick announced that Beretta will make a donation from the proceeds of the United We Stand Pistol to the NY City Police Foundation and Survivor's Fund of the National Capital Region.

"The tragic events of September 11, 2001 have left many of our fellow-Americans devastated and in need of help," said Mr. Parsick. "We are proud to have created the United We Stand Pistol as a way to assist those who have been so effected by the horrific events of September 11th. The United We Stand Pistol was created as a testament to the American sprit, which will remain unbroken during this time of national tragedy."

Like all 92 Series pistols, The United We Stand Pistol features chrome lined bore, external hammer, integral front sight, and reversible magazine release. As part of the 92 Series of pistols, the United We Stand Pistol joins a class of pistols that have enjoyed unrivaled success by a multi-national roster of defense and law enforcement organizations.

Beretta, the world's oldest firearms manufacturer, is celebrating its
475th anniversary in 2001. The company produces and markets, worldwide, a complete line of firearms, clothing and accessories, including: field and premium grade sporting shotguns and rifles; a full range of pistols and military arms; knives; and an exclusive line of hunting and sports leisure
clothing.

To mark its 475th anniversary, Beretta is celebrating the release of the book, "The World of Beretta, An International Legend," which was written by R.L. "Larry" Wilson and is now on sale. A Beretta exhibit is currently underway at the National Firearms Museum in Fairfax, Virginia, where about 100 historical firearms will be on display to the end of the year.

For more information about Beretta and its complete line, visit its website at www.berettausa.com

12/06/01: PACHINKO's EURO MENAGERIE OF LIGHTS, BOURBON & BJORK

PACHINKO
just returned from their European tour. Here is a letter that Brech wrote to a friend that he said we could put up on our website.

wow, catherine,

what a crazy time we're having i prague... last night we drove 10 1/2 hours
through the austrian alps to find ourselves in prague, at the end of our shorter
and shorter tour(tho' tonite we may play a gig here)

we decided to blow the last of our profit at a glitzy czech night club, the
drinks actually cost more than a dollar, so we knew it was nice. hard to
believe, but bjork's drummer was there, a tall man, who much like us, liked to
drink hard and party harder. i told him that i knew the old drummer from the
sugarcubes, siggi baldurson, he said that he too knew him, that they were old
friends. yessirreebob, that was our in.

i told him that all tour i had been
telling people that i once took a shower with bjork, and that it was crazy to run
into her drummer. he laughed and made a phone call and within 15 minutes bjork
arrived, i guess she was at a nicer club down the street. he had told her of my
tall tale, she thought it was hilarious and we set to drinkin', goddamn can that
girl drink, and dance, too.

after about 20 beam and cokes(which she wouldn't even
let me pay for) i got her out on the dance floor to do her thing, the world was a
spinning menagerie of lights, bourbon, and bjork. the next part i think i blacked
out, but somehow all of us ended up back at bjork's hotel, it doesn't need to be
said, but it was swank. the stereo in that joint was nicer than the clubs',
things got bumpin'.

bjork kept bringing up the story about the "shower incident",
i think it might have been the bravery of the beam, but i told her we might as
well go take one. she said that her husband was in the other room,.... damn,
..shot down, .. but when she saw my heart drop, she reassured me that he wasn't
a jealous man, BAMM!!, i thought to myself. i practically had my pants around my
ankles, sprinting for the bathroom, once again, it was swank.

bjork followed me
into the shower(imagine what king hussein might shower in), but she wouldn't take
off her bejewelled panties, i kept ribbing her and ribbing her about it and
finally she gave in, it turns out that she had shaven her pubic hair into a
letter, (from the looks of it one that doesn't exist in the english language)the
first letter of her husband's name, a husband which happened to be the the
drummer, .... i guess he isn't a jealous man.

home soon,

love, ........B

11/30/01: ANNIVERSARY OF FRANKENCHRIST
Today is the 16th anniversary of the release of Frankenchrist by the Dead Kennedys. More controversial than the album itself was the packaging: The Shriners filed suit regarding the cover (pictured were some of the ridiculous little cars they drive); and a poster included in the album was later the basis of obscenity charges against Jello Biafra and Alternative Tentacles.

11/28/01: NEW WAR TRADING CARDS

(from TOPPS website:)

A NEW SERIES DOCUMENTING AMERICA'S GREATEST CHALLENGE

This high-gloss 90-card set contains biographical information on the civilian and military leaders entrusted to guide us through this fight, statistical data and photos of military hardware.
Kids need to understand that the President (and his team) will keep them safe and that evil-doers will be punished. Our cards deliver the details in a medium with which they are familiar and comfortable.
Each pack contains 7 premium quality trading cards and 1 sticker featuring flags and patriotic designs.

11/28/01: KRIST NOVOSELIC LAUNCHES Inclusive Democracy?WEBSITE

Dear Fellow Lovers of Liberty & Democracy,

I am proud to announce a new web site I have created.

It is called Inclusive Democracy? http://www.inclusivedemocracy.com >

It is dedicated to meaningful electoral reform.

Periodically, I will be posting my thoughts on improving our democracy,
along with links on electoral reform.

The premiere issue features my address to the Spitfire Forum.

Thanks,

Krist Novoselic

11/28/01: BRANDON CRUZ's LETTER UP ON WEBSITE AGAIN FOR SOME REASON

About 2months ago we posted a letter that character actor Brandon Cruz sent to Jello Biafra. East Bay Ray complained to us that Brandon had received nasty emails due to us posting that letter, which contained his email address. One person sent Brandon an email threatening violence which wasn't cool, so we complied with Ray's pleading to remove the letter. However, every day people are emailing us wanting to get a copy of the letter. So, here it is. Without his email address. Remember kids, violence isn't cool.

Date : September 24, 2001
Subject: dear jello

jello,
it saddens me to see you stoop to calling me a scab. i have always
respected what the dead kennedy's did, and when i was asked to sing a
few songs with them, not at a "reunion" but at a record release party, i
felt honored to be able to do it. sure, i wish the whole lawsuit had
never happened, and i have heard both sides of the story. i feel that
it's the music, not anything else, that matters. best buy, as far as i
know, has nothing to do with this party, which is sold out, by the way,
and as far as the levi's thing, well, you know the truth on that. i wish
you were singing. the truth is i loved the dead kennedy's, still do, and
i am doing this so the kids who never even had the chance to see or hear
the band and its music will have a chance to do so. the internet is
alive with attacks on me, calling me the new jello, and the sammy hagar
of punk. i am neither. i am a lucky fan who gets to hold the mic when
those amazing songs are played. i know you are doing what you feel is
right, and so are the other guys. i know all of you. i opened for you
guys in 1981-1984 several times with dr. know, who i still sing for. as
far as the fighting and the lawsuit, i have no opinion. that is between
your lawyers. i'm just a fan. calling me a scab may help you feel
better, so it's cool with me. next time though, call me and tell me
personally before you run your mouth in public.
brandon cruz
Dr. Know

11/27/01: WTO TOILET SUMMIT ANNOUNCED TOILET SUMMIT

(Singapore-AP) -- Jack Sim wants to break the
silence on the topic of toilets. He's the founder of
the 17-nation World Toilet Organization. The inaugural
W-T-O summit took place recently in Singapore. And the
members have declared every November 19th from now on
World Toilet Day. Sim says the day will be used to
promote awareness of the need for good toilets. The
W-T-O has released nine aims, including improving the
quality of toilet environments and promoting better
toilets for all people on earth. Korea will host the
next summit. Many industry members say that country
has the best but most expensive toilets.